Doctor Who: Looking Back At The Alternate Doctors

8. The Dream Lord

03 Toby JonesWho Played Him? Toby Jones When Did He Appear? Series 5 Episode 7 Amy€™s Choice This version of the Doctor riffs a little on bit on the Valeyard in that they€™re both manifestations of the Doctor€™s dark side but there€™s a lot to the Dream Lord that sets him apart from the Valeyard. While the Valeyard is more restrained, keeps his villainy subtle, and uses Gallifreyan law as an excuse for his actions, the Dream Lord completely lets himself loose and goes all Bond villain, torturing the Doctor in as elaborate ways as he can instead of straight up killing him. Which not only allows for a great episode but also fits perfectly with his identity as part of the Doctor€™s psyche. The frequent quips and overall hamminess of Toby Jones' performance including his multiple costume changes is an excellent counterpoint to Matt Smith€™s Doctor, and makes him a very effective villain. Even if the revelation that his manifestation was caused by some kind of previously unseen psychic pollen is a big copout.
Contributor
Contributor

JG Moore is a writer and filmmaker from the south of England. He also works as an editor and VFX artist, and has a BA in Media Production from the University Of Winchester.